Take Charge America Introduces Counseling Program for Consumers Facing Bankruptcy

Consumers facing bankruptcy have a new option for completing the
bankruptcy counseling courses required by law. Take
Charge America, a national non-profit credit counseling and debt
management agency based in Phoenix, now offers bankruptcy
counseling to help consumers understand and navigate the complex
process of filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 11.

Individuals filing bankruptcy are legally required to complete an
individual budget briefing session with an approved, nonprofit budget
and credit counseling agency during the 180-day period preceding the
date of filing the bankruptcy petition. Once consumers have completed
this session and filed theirbankruptcy petition, they must complete an
approved personal financial management instructional course in order to
be eligible for a bankruptcy discharge.

Take Charge America has been approved by the Executive Office for United
States Trustees to provide both the bankruptcy counseling and debtor
education courses. The agency's counselors educate consumers on what it
means to file for bankruptcy, alternatives they may wish to consider,
the nuances of the filing process and the management of future financial
goals.

"The economy is improving, but many people are continuing to suffer the
ripple effects of a terrible recession," said Mike Sullivan, chief
education and operations officer for Take Charge America. "For some,
bankruptcy is the only option, but the process of declaring bankruptcy
is very complicated. We help people understand the ins and outs of
petitioning for bankruptcy while also providing counseling services to
get them back on the road to financial wellbeing."

Take Charge America offers pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing
debtor education online or through audio courses. Consumers who wish to
learn more about bankruptcy counseling may visit bankruptcycounseling.org
or call Take Charge America at (866) 750-9634 to speak directly with a
counselor.

About Take Charge America, Inc.

Take Charge America, Inc., a non-profit financial education, credit
counseling, housing counseling and debt management agency, is dedicated
to helping consumers nationwide improve their financial futures. Founded
in 1987, the organization has helped more than 1.6 million consumers
nationwide manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more,
visit www.takechargeamerica.org
or call (888) 822-9193.